Minister Ahmed Hussen

Ahmed Hussen is the first immigrant serving in the role of federal immigration minister in more than a decade; he comes to the position with plenty of authority on the subject.

Not only is he an immigration lawyer, he knows firsthand what immigrating to a new country is like. “The journey of settling and integrating into Canada was a difficult one for me,” the Somalian-born Hussen admits. “It was difficult for me to learn about how to do things in Canada such as use a laundromat or mail a letter. I also found the winter to be difficult to adjust to because I came from a warm country.”

But he did adjust — in fact, he thrived! After landing in Toronto in 1993, Hussen completed high school, studied at York University and began a career in public service. He co-founded the Regent Park Community Council, playing a key role in securing the $500-million revitalization project for Regent Park. He also served as national president for the Canadian Somali Congress and worked as a special assistant for intergovernmental affairs to former Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.

After earning a law degree from the University of Ottawa, Hussen practised in the areas of criminal defence, immigration and refugee law, and human rights. He then decided the next step was to enter politics. He was elected in the 2015 federal election in the riding of York South-Weston. In 2017, he was appointed minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

“I have the privilege and honour of leading the same ministry that I was once a client of,” he says. “That speaks volumes about Canada’s success in being able to integrate newcomers and turn them into successful Canadian citizens.”

Hussen says there are certain qualities important for an immigrant to succeed in Canada: the ability to quickly learn the language; the willingness to adapt to a new environment; and the ability to develop networks. “Work hard and seek out mentors because they will be the key to your success,” he adds. “And give back to your adopted country.”

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